Journey through the Cosmos: A Woman Engineer's Exploration in Astrophysics
We are thrilled to announce that we will explore the vast realm of astrophysics with our esteemed invited speaker, Dr. Akhter. Dr. Akhter serves as a lecturer in Astrophysics and Physics at the University of Wollongong, bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our event. In this talk, our esteemed speaker will impart knowledge and inspire individuals to embark on an exciting journey in engineering, with a specific focus on the captivating realm of astrophysics. Her presentation aims to dismantle barriers and extend encouragement to everyone, irrespective of gender, inviting them to delve into the boundless mysteries of the cosmos. Delving into the prerequisites for joining this field, she will highlight the importance of cultivating a robust foundation in mathematics and physics. Acknowledging the challenges that may surface, especially for women, she will share personal experiences, emphasizing resilience as a pivotal factor in overcoming gender-related obstacles. The speaker will underscore the significance of staying motivated through a genuine passion for astrophysics, advocating for the development of a supportive community and the ability to learn from setbacks. Reflecting on her journey, she will offer valuable advice to her younger self, promoting curiosity, embracing challenges as opportunities, and prioritizing well-being. Additionally, the talk will include a cautionary note, advising against pitfalls such as imposter syndrome and burnout, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance. We invite you to join this enlightening session with our exceptional speaker and contribute to the success of the event.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
- Date: 25 Mar 2024
- Time: 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM
- All times are (UTC-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
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- Starts 08 March 2024 07:32 PM
- Ends 25 March 2024 06:30 PM
- All times are (UTC-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Dr. Shaila Akhter
Journey through the Cosmos: A Woman Engineer's Exploration in Astrophysics
Biography:
Dr. Shaila Akhter, an astrophysicist, educator, and science communicator, holds an MPhil (from the Australian National University) and a PhD (from UNSW, Sydney, co-supervised at CSIRO Space and Astronomy, Australia) in Astrophysics. She is also adorned with degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Systems Engineering (ANU). Her doctoral degree was focused on star formation, interstellar medium, and Galactic dynamics in the Milky Way. Before transitioning into an astronomy career, Dr. Akhter worked as telecommunications engineer in Canberra, Australia, collaborating with Air Services Australia and Optus.
Currently, Dr. Akhter serves as a lecturer in Astrophysics and Physics at the University of Wollongong. She is a pioneer in teaching Astrophysics at WEA Sydney—an independent, not-for-profit adult education provider promoting higher education for working men and women. With a decade of teaching experience at UNSW in University Physics and Astronomy, she's also a teaching professional at Boston University, Sydney campus, imparting knowledge in differential equations to engineering students. Dr. Akhter initiated and leads a successful Math and Physics tutoring program (free drop-in sessions) for HSC students at UOW. Passionate about physics and astronomy outreach, she reaches diverse audiences across Sydney, the Australian Museum, and rural Australia, including National Science Week events. Serving as an international podcaster for Astronomy on the "365 Days of Astronomy Podcast" by CosmoQuest, Dr. Akhter represented Australia to a global audience, with each episode garnering over 10,000 listeners during the Year of Light.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Akhter is a compassionate counsellor and mentor, offering her time and knowledge to others for self-development. She provided valuable contributions to an Australian mental health and wellbeing project called “Movement Matters.” In her leisure, Dr. Akhter is an avid reader, delving into mental health and self-development books. She enjoys watching movies, especially thrillers, and occasionally finds solace in indoor rock climbing. Journaling her thoughts is a practice she values, adding depth and reflection to her multifaceted life.
Actively engaged in the scientific community, she serves as a committee member of the Australian Institute of Physics (NSW Branch) and a member of the Teachers Guild of NSW. Dr. Akhter is known for her enthusiasm and support in teaching, motivating students with a constructive and engaging style. Join her at the IEEE Women in Engineering Women's Day event, where she shares insights on challenges in a career, overcoming obstacles, and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. Dr. Shaila Akhter's inspiring journey and commitment to STEM make her a beacon of empowerment for women in engineering, embodying a narrative of resilience, empathy, and a dedication to fostering inclusivity within the realm of STEM.